Sandra‘s Closet

Here is something for my Zurich based readers: This week, Mes Amis and Gut Juwelier are hosting together a Spring Reception where you can browse through the newest arrivals of interior decorations and jewelry designs while enjoying a glass of bubbly.

Please find below all the details:

Probably you can find some beautiful inspirations for your Easter weekend. For those, who cannot make it, enjoy the photos!

LoL, Sandra

Tom Ford presents his new fragrance inspired by the mystery and luxury of the Middle East. Evoking the untamed beauty of the Arabian Peninsula, SAHARA NOIR is an ode to the enchanting power of one of that land’s most treasured ingredients: frankincense. The composition is built around this precious desert resin, which can be found at all three main stages of the development of the fragrance. Exclusively available in the Middle East.

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bitter orange, frankincense, calamus, cistus and cypress.
Middle notes: Beeswax, jasmine, papyrus, rose, frankincense and cinnamon.
Base notes: Ambreinol, balsam, benzoin, labdanum, oud, vanilla, frankincense resin, cedar and agarwood.

Good news is that Sahara Noir is said to launch in Europe this May.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

And of course, last but not least, here are all the details of my look that I wore to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich International Closing Night:

Sequined mini dress with chain detail and marabou cape, both by Balmain, Kelly So Black by Hermès, cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Tribute Two textured-leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I have been meaning to show this post to you since quite a while but time just flies. Nevertheless, everything you see here, is in stores now which is a very good thing. I am sure there are some looks that have been shown on the runway of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Days Zurich International Closing Night last November that you will surely adore. So let’s get started.

Arzu Kaprol is known for her architectural femininity. A Paris Fashion week must, the designer of Turkish origin was inspired by “bones” for her S/S 2013 collection that she has kept in a muted color palette. Very pretty!

Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos is the designer behind the one of my favorite labels presented at the FDZ: Dimitri. A graduate from renowned fashion school ESMOD like me, he had worked for Jil Sander, Vivienne Westwood and Hugo Boss before launching his own label in 2007. His S/S 2013 designs are vivid and colorful, feminine and seductive.

Berlin-based designer Dawid Tomaszewski founded his eponymous label in 2009. His designs are inspired mostly by art and architecture. For S/S 2013, he came up with an extremely eye-catching collection in luxurious fabrics, of which every piece has the potential to become a favorite.

The culmination of the International Closing Night was the S/S 2013 show of New York-based designer Charlotte Ronson, who is part of the famous Ronson family. Her twin sister Samantha is a famous DJ and her brother Mark, a music producer and the face of Fan di Fendi pour Homme.

Charlotte Ronson backstage with me

Backstage she told me that water had been her main source of inspiration for this lovely slightly romantic collection. She combined ocean’s blues and greens with light yellows reminiscent of the sun. Her all time favourite, floral prints were of course also part of Charlotte’s designs. Personally speaking, what I liked most, was the mix of feminine details with a sporty approach, which took her looks from sweet to cool. Well done!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For S/S 2013, the designers have come up with some outstanding accessories. The ones I put together for you are like pieces of art, highly collectibles that probably belong more in a vitrine than to be worn. At least, it is fun to look at them.

THE SEASON OF EYE-CATCHING CLUTCHES

Lego clutch by Chanel

Butterfly clutch by Bottega Veneta

Clutch bag with Madonna print by Givenchy

Enameled resin perfume clutch by Lanvin

Jewel plexiglass butterfly clutch by Valentino

THE SEASON OF THE STATEMENT SHOE

Mink pumps by Céline

Magic square slingback pump by Louis Vuitton

Cherie poodle patent sandals by Charlotte Olympia

Strappy sandals by Alexander Wang

Patent-leather ankle-cuff sandals by Gucci

THE SEASON TO INVEST IN FASHION JEWELRY

Necklace by Christian Dior

Ruthenium-plated Swarovski crystal flamingo necklace by Roberto Cavalli

Metal circle earrings by Balmain

Large pom pom and raffia earrings by Dolce & Gabbana

Cuff by Erickson Beamon

I hope that you have enjoyed my little accessory report for S/S 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

My love for Los Angeles started a long time ago when I went to a summer college there. The sunshine, the easy lifestyle, the friendly people, have fascinated me from the early start. The prejudices concerning the Californian city are multifarious, of course you have many people working in “the industry” and the plastic surgeries are higher per capita there than anywhere else. Yes, and the traffic is horrendous and I am scared of earthquakes.

However, there’s so much more to this metropolis that people don’t understand unless they immerse themselves in it. In summer 2010, I rented a house in Beverly Hills and spent two months there, long-time readers of Sandras’ Closet might remember. When the day came to fly back to Europe, I didn’t want to leave. Los Angeles has a mix of people, trends, fashion, nationalities, and industries that you can’t find anywhere else.

Therefore I was so happy when Montblanc invited me to come to Los Angeles to live the Oscar experience and to attend their “Signature for Good” 2013 charity brunch. When I landed at LAX, my heart started already jumping for joy. But enough of my love letter. So, what follows is my list of a few of my favorite things to do and see in Los Angeles.

Me in front of the Montblanc boutique on the famous Rodeo Drive.

At Opening Ceremony, one of my favourite shops.

Fred Segal‘s perfume store is gigantic.

Shopping like the locals on Robertson Boulevard. (For a detailed Los Angeles shopping guide, please click here).

Also home to my favourite restaurant for lunch: The well-known Ivy, a hot spot to see many celebrities.

Have an Ivy Sunday, so yummy!

Great for dinner: Cecconi’s

Girls just wanna have fun: Tea time at American Girl Place.

A must-see: Disneyland

The famous star handprints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre have to be on your sightseeing list…

… along with Hollywood’s iconic Walk of Fame.

At Venice Beach, you can enjoy the lively boardwalk with a crazy and colorful crowd. From rollerscaters, artists, palm readers and street dancers, to performers and vendors of any sort. It is also home to the iconic “Muscle Club” – an outdoor gym where bodybuilders shape their bodies under the sun. Arnold Schwarzenegger used to go there.

My list could go on and on… my favourite hotel is by the way the Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica.

If I had a wish granted from the fairy…? I would love to live in such a fabulous Beverly Hills mansion. It doesn’t hurt to dream.

Thank you, Montblanc, for having me brought back to this fab city!
Bye-bye L.A., I will surely be back soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Black pumps will always be a classic, but this summer, it is all about white pumps. Incorporate this shoe trend into your own style by combining it with your favourite new season looks. Better be fast to snag a pair, they sell out fast!

Here are four of the bestsellers:
1 Abel leather pumps by Jimmy Choo
2 Patent leather pumps by Balmain
3 Paris leather pumps by Saint Laurent
4 Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent

LoL, Sandra

The last weeks have been incredible, I had so many amazing experiences, wonderful travels and endless parties. One thing that went missing though was sleep. So skin is attacked, its natural defenses are weakened and wrinkles set in. Don’t we all need a little rescuing sometimes? Therefore I would like to show you the three products that helped me look kind of fresh every morning. I like to keep my beauty savers easy and handy, here we go:

BOTANICAL D-TOX by Sisley

This product is a life saver! At times of stress or extreme tiredness, this powerful one month night treatment program enriched with detoxifying plant extracts refreshes the skin, as if it has been replenished by a good night’s sleep.
In 4 weeks, the face looks rested, skin regains its glow and energy.

CHF 209.00 (30ml)

PRODIGY POWERCELL EYE URGENCY by Helena Rubinstein

Those SOS eye patches work real magic, having an instant de-puffing, smoothing and lifting effect in one. It is a true luxury and sensorial feeling to put them on as they feel like a second skin due to Bio-cellulose that fusions with the skin. Your immediate anti-fatigue booster.

CHF 164.00 (6 pack), CHF 33.00 (1 pack)

TOP SECRETS TOUCHE EXPPRESS WAKE-UP EYECARE by Yves Saint Laurent

Perfect for on-the go rescue! It helps you fight puffiness and dark circles. Its smoothing emulsion is enriched with arnica, known for its decongesting and microcirculation activating properties. I love the draining action of this roll-on applicator. Regain a radiant look in a flash.

CHF 70.00 (2.5ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Sisley, Helena Rubinstein and YSL

Monday, I attended during Paris Fashion Week the Roger Vivier Cocktail to celebrate the launch of the book ‘Roger Vivier’, held at the boutique on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The tome will be available from April 2nd in the Roger Vivier boutiques and in fine bookstores.

Among the guests was Inès de la Fressange (see photo with me above), a French model, aristocat, designer of fashion and perfumes, and former muse for Karl Lagerfeld (Inès walked in the Chanel S/S 2011 runway show at the age of 54.). She has a very cute section on the Roger Vivier homepage, called “Ines’ Little Diaries”. Personally speaking, she looked absolutely stunning and was very lovely to talk to.

Inès de la Fressange and Bruno Frisoni

Today, designer Bruno Frisoni is at the helm of Roger Vivier. He’s one of the most charming designers in fashion and his witty humor can be seen perfectly in the picture I took of him at the event. He knows well how to design shoes in which ladies feel elegant.

Roger Vivier himself (1907–1998) was a French fashion designer who specialized in shoes and became famous for his stiletto heel. He was called the “Fragonard of the shoe” and many critics compared his creations to Fabergé. He designed the footwear for Queen Elizabeth II that she wore to her coronation in 1953 and the famous “buckle” shoes, Catherine Deneuve sported in the iconic French movie “Belle de Jour”, together with Yves Saint Laurent clothing.

Blogger girls from left to right: Me, Elisa Nalin, Tamu McPherson and Eleonara Carisi.

When we left the event, every guest got this cute little iPhone cover.

YOU CAN SHOP A LARGE SELECTION OF ROGER VIVIER AT LUISAVIAROMA AND MYTHERESA.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Roger Vivier

Time flies during Paris Fashion Week. There is so much going on. Besides from all those runway shows, you have many invites to cocktail receptions, special presentations and store openings. You go to “re-sees”, which means, visiting the showroom to explore the new collection from up close. I have so much too show you, but find barely time to work.

Here is the look that I wore yesterday to the Valentino F/W 2013 show which was one of my favorites, absolutely beautiful.

Double breasted jacket,dress with leather and lace appliqué, suede ankle boots, and tote bag, all by Saint Laurent,leather mini shoulder bag by Valentino and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht